The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake held its regularly scheduled Council meeting this evening, June 24, 2025, covering presentations, motions, by-laws and various items of Town business.
Below is a summary of Council's discussions and decisions. To view the meeting agenda, including links to reports, presentations, and a video recording, please visit www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
Lord Mayor's Report:
Lord Mayor Zalepa provided a report highlighting his participation in a range of community events throughout June, including the Pride flag raising at Town Hall, a special announcement at Niagara College celebrating a historic $4 million estate gift, and a tourism broadcast promoting Niagara-on-the-Lake. He attended several community celebrations such as the Fire Recruitment Graduation Ceremony, the Library’s 225th anniversary, the Polish Pilgrimage, and the Strawberry Social. He engaged with residents during cultural and heritage events like the United Empire Loyalist flag raising, International Trail Day Walk, and National Indigenous Day observance. His report also noted contributions to regional initiatives such as the Garden City Skyway Expansion announcement and efforts to engage students in local government through school visits to Town Hall. He concluded with a special message of gratitude for the community’s continued support and appreciation, highlighting the positive feedback received during recent events.
Presentations:
- The Niagara Parks Commission - Niagara Parks' 2024 Updates, Initiatives and Projects - Chair Bob Gale and CEO David Adames
Decision Highlights:
Queen-Picton (Old Town) Heritage Conservation District Study: Phase 1 Study Report (CDS-25-083)
- Council approved the findings and recommendations of the Queen-Picton (Old Town) Heritage Conservation District Study: Phase 1 Report, endorsed the recommended expanded HCD boundary, directed Staff to amend the Study Area By-law accordingly, and authorized the commencement of Phase 2 to develop an updated HCD Plan.
Bill 17 - Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025 and related Regulations (CDS-25-085)
- Council approved the submission of Staff and Council comments to the Province on Bill 17, the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act, 2025, which proposes sweeping changes to municipal planning, zoning, and development charge regulations that may significantly impact local control, infrastructure funding, and development review processes.
Memorial Park & Virgil Sportspark Soccer Fields (NOTL Minor Soccer Agreement) (OPS-25-004)
- Council approved an Agreement between the Town and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Soccer Club for the use and maintenance of soccer fields at Memorial Park and Virgil Sportspark from 2025 to 2030, outlining responsibilities for field upkeep, programming, and annual financial contributions.
Sign By-law Amendment (FES-25-011)
- Council approved amendments to Sign By-law 4586-12 to include definitions of "Visual Art" and "Public Art," clarifying that such artistic works are not considered signs and are therefore exempt from sign regulations.
Tawny Ridge Estates Phase 1 Subdivision Agreement (CDS-25-086)
- Council approved the Subdivision Agreement for Tawny Ridge Estates Phase 1, allowing the subdivision to proceed to final approval and registration.
Konik Estates Phase 2 Subdivision Agreement and Crossroads Landing Condominium Agreement (CDS-25-088)
- Council approved the Subdivision Agreement for Konik Estates Phase 2 and the Condominium Agreement for Crossroads Landing, allowing both developments to proceed to final approval and registration.
Financial Securities – Acceptance of Surety Bonds (CS-25-010)
- Council approved the acceptance of pay-on-demand surety bonds as an alternative form of financial security for development-related works, along with a standardized bond template and a non-refundable administrative review fee.
Niagara District Airport Master Plan Public Information Session Comments (CAO-25-026)
- Council approved the submission of Staff comments regarding the Niagara District Airport 2025–2045 Master Plan to the Airport CEO and Commission, highlighting potential opportunities and constraints related to potential runway changes, economic development, tourism, connectivity, and innovation.
Private Tree By-law (FES-25-010)
- Council referred updates to the Private Tree By-law, including revised definitions, permit criteria, replanting requirements, the appointment of a Hearing Officer to handle all Private Tree Permit Appeals, and the adoption of a Tree Protection and Preservation Policy.
Information Package:
Council received a memorandum from Lord Mayor Zalepa regarding Canada Post's proposed reduced hours at the 117 Queen Street Post Office.
Motions:
Delegations – Moved by Councillor Burroughs
- Council approved a motion directing Staff to update the Town's online delegation request form to require a more detailed summary of remarks for delegations.
By-laws:
Council approved several by-laws, including the appointment of Nick Ruller as Chief Administrative Officer, amendments to the Sign By-law to define Visual and Public Art, an update to the Old Town Heritage Conservation District Study Area boundary, and a subdivision agreement with St. Davids Riverview Estates Inc. Additionally, Council designated three properties as having cultural heritage value or interest; appointed Hearing Officers for the Short Term Rental and Animal Care and Control By-laws; authorized a new agreement for Institutional Child Care Services between the Town and Niagara Region, as well as an agreement between the Town and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Soccer Club.
Next Council Meeting:
The next Council meeting is scheduled for July 29, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. Community members are invited to attend in person at Town Hall, located at 1593 Four Mile Creek Road, Virgil, or tune in via the Town's livestream. Agendas and minutes are available on the Town's website at www.notl.com/council-government/meetings-agendas-minutes.
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Media contact:
Marah Minor, Communications Coordinator
905-468-3266 | communications@notl.com